On 29 Sep, Soil Association Scotland responds to the launch of the draft Agriculture Bill welcoming the Scottish Government's Vision for Agriculture and the recognition it delivers for organic and agroecological farmers and crofters. It urges all UK political parties to make clear their commitments to future investment in food and farming ahead of the next general election. 

Head of policy - Scotland David McKay said: "Soil Association Scotland welcomes the introduction of this Bill to deliver on the Scottish Government's Vision for Agriculture. This will be a vital piece of legislation in reshaping public support for our farmers and crofters to produce food while helping to tackle the twin climate and nature crises.

"We are pleased to see the commitment to a Rural Support Plan, which reflects one of the key asks of Soil Association Scotland and Scottish Environment LINK to provide programming periods to give some certainty to rural businesses.

"We also note the requirement within the Bill for Ministers to produce a code of practice for 'sustainable and regenerative agriculture', including an explanation of what the Scottish Government thinks this means. A clear definition would be welcome, particularly for those who are already farming to organic standards that are underpinned in law and backed by a robust inspection regime. We consider organic and agroecological approaches to be in line with the Scottish Government's Vision, and therefore should be incentivised under the future support scheme.

"The real test of this government's commitments on climate and nature will be in the detail of secondary legislation, including payment rates. There is a finite amount of public money that must deliver on multiple policy objectives. That is why Soil Association Scotland is urging all UK political parties to make a clear commitment to increasing spending on food and farming at next year's general election, including a multi-year, ring-fenced funding commitment from the UK Government for the devolved administrations."